mikelz777

Ordering CDs sounds like a colossal hassle. No credit cards? Pay by check up front not even knowing if the disc(s) are available? Getting a rebate check if 50% or more of the order is available otherwise having to be contacted to see how you want to proceed. Four weeks turn-around time? I'd have to be very desperate for a disc to even consider buying off the web site. It's a horrible business model for the physical discs. Maybe the downloading side works out better.

Ignore the naysayers. It's absolutely worth the time and effort of requesting through Netflix. Take people's opinions with a grain of salt, watch it and then form your own opinions. In any event, yes, do watch it.

The Rutles - All You Need Is Cash So who here's heard of Ron Nasty, Dirk McQuickly, Stig O'hara and Barry Wom? I think that this is a great mockumentary and that Neil Innes' original Beatlesque songs were absolutely brilliant. He really captured the essence of their sound without falling back on just churning out a direct copy. Funny stuff though I'd say that the contributions of the Saturday Night Live players were probably the weakest moments for me. Fans of the Beatles who've followed them enough to know their movies, videos, concert footage and such should be impressed with how good this really is. Very well done.

Here's a brief interview with Sonny Rollins who turned 80 on Sept. 7th. Sonny Rollins turns 80

Bobby Blue Bland - The Anthology (2-CD)

Oscar Peterson - Exclusively For My Friends

It's one of those happy mis-listings that sometimes pay off if you're in the right place at the right time. I landed one of those when I was able to get a new/sealed, 9-CD Bill Evans Fantasy box set from Amazon for $23.00 and change. Not quite as good a deal as the Haynes set but still quite the bargain.

Thanks for sharing. That was an awesome and personal window to the past!

Not yet mentioned, pianist Cecilia Coleman. Also, Blossom Dearie Jutta Hipp

Oscar Peterson demonstrates and discusses different styles of playing the piano with Dick Cavett. Link - Oscar Peterson on Dick Cavett Show

Most of mine have been mentioned several times: Art Pepper, Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean and Paul Desmond would be at the top of my list. Another favorite I haven't seen mentioned yet is Hal McKusick. I'm surprised he's not a bigger name.

Red Garland Red's Blues - Link - Red's Blues

Just some observations: -People here will argue about anything. -Many people here are a bit too thin-skinned when it comes to comments made on jazz. -Really, who cares what Letterman thinks about jazz? -Why would anyone think that Letterman owes the world anything with regard to jazz? -His comment was meant as a joke. -The joke wasn't funny or even clever. -The premise of the "joke" wasn't even correct. -Letterman hasn't been funny in years. -What actual impact has the comment had on the jazz world? I'd be surprised at anything more than zero. That's just my 2 cents and of course, nothing more than my opinion, like it or not.

I just happened to be listening to a little Richie Kamuca earlier today. (with Cy Touff) Cy Touff - His Octet and Quintet

I'd be curious as to what is actually analyzed. I submitted 5 different samples (none of them fiction) of my writing and got: -(2) David Foster Wallace -H.P. Lovecraft -Isaac Asimov -Dan Brown

I'm very sorry to hear of Harvey's passing. His stories struck a chord with me and I could relate to his experiences in many ways. Although I've never met the man, I feel I know him better than most people I see on a regular basis. I'm glad that he shared so much of his life with us, warts and all. While 70 isn't exactly young, it still seems he left before his time. I guess we sometimes tend to forget that none of us are going to live forever.

It's a nice way to pick up some of George Benson's stuff before he dove head-first into the smooth jazz-pop world. I was amused to see this pop up when I narrowed the Original Album Classics search to just "jazz". No, it's not the Norwegian releases of one of our favorite trombonists.

A pair of discs from a player and instrument that are totally new to me, Cy Touff on the bass trumpet. (It sounds a lot like a trombone.) Cy Touff - His Octet & Quintet (w/Richie Kamuca) Cy Touff - Tickle Toe

She was indeed beautiful, graceful and wonderful but Fred Astaire's equal? Hmmm... she's good, but I don't think I'd take it that far.

I always dug her version of "Feelin' Alright".

Yes and I'm doubtful.

So I'm not the only one. I think there are 2 or 3+ discs in that set which are pretty much unlistenable to me.

I was going to say "Blues For A Reason" by Chet Baker and "Blues For The Fisherman" by Milcho Leviev because I acquired both without having heard them but with names like Chet Baker and Art Pepper (who appears on the latter), it's hard to say that I was blind on the purchases because I knew of their reputations so I was informed enough to know the odds were very good that I would enjoy both of the recordings. The only recording that comes to mind is a CD featuring Rolf Billberg. Rolf Billberg - Rare Danish Recordings 1956-57 By A Swedish Jazz Legend I found this on sale in a Half-Price Books store. The cover caught my eye and I liked it. I saw it was on the Storyville label of which I enjoyed other recordings. I think the biggest selling point for me was in the title, "Swedish Jazz Legend". It made me curious enough to buy it and give it a try. It turns out that I really enjoy this CD. I think fans of Lee Konitz or Paul Desmond would really enjoy this CD and should check it out. As of this posting, there are several copies available dirt cheap on Amazon.com.

Frank Morgan - Mood Indigo

I wonder if there are players who are better as a sideman than leader? As if the player thinks "It's not my name on it -- it won't 'cost' me anything to take chances..." When it comes to his own name, he plays it safe: "Don't want to scare anyone away..." I don't know if he's better as a sideman than he is as a leader but I personally prefer Oscar Peterson much more as a sideman than I do as a leader. I'm also on the same page with Clark Terry. "Swahili" is the only title I have in his name.